ETEC 522 - Ventures in Learning Technology

Immersion into a global learning technologies marketplace.

ETEC 522 was the second experience with a course blog site (accessible here) where the content was open and searchable by anyone on the web. (ETEC 540 was the first.) Private and public spaces offered new audiences for tasks and creations. Choices about where, what and how to publish assignments and discussions was an ever-present light under which I considered my contributions. Throughout the active role playing done in this course, I was learning at the edge (and frequently over the edge) of my zone of comfort. Examining ventures in educational technology and evaluating them from the role of an education venture analyst (EVA) put me into realms that were unfamiliar and disconcerting. Just as I was in parts of my home renovations, until I got the hang of tile cutting or laying hardwood, I was feeling uncertain and inexperienced in the EVA role. Application of my EVA skills to the creation of a venture pitch created some serious renovations in confidence, process and products within the field of emerging educational technologies. Despite the challenges in personal and technical ventures, I safely completed my renovations within this course. The venture 'boot camp', the emerging market teams, and the 'venture forum' renovated me from educator to emerging educational technology entrepreneur.

Immediate Value

A meaningful activity described and my experience of it.

Several course discussions, contributions and creations could be identified as meaningful and significant. Many fit into the standard and competencies outlined by OCT, BCCT and ISTE. It was challenging to select just one artifact. So I selected one artifact that leads to all elements of the course - the blog site where I captured the course elements in one location. (View the blog at http://blogs.ubc.ca/eventures/a4-participation-portfolio/) One of the assignments for ETEC 522 was a participation portfolio containing evidence of insightful participation and a statement describing active involvement. Myportfolio response statementis linked here.

Potential Value

Specific resource from this activity and why it is useful

The specific resource from this activity is a model of how online learning can be open and accessible, as well as private and collaborative. The blog site for ETEC522 and the blog collection of course responses, assignments and creations demonstrates the importance of process and product in the learning environment. The portfolio reflection statement examines the value of self assessment and evaluation as a motivating factor in student learning.

Applied Value

How I used this resource in my practice and what it has enabled.

From this course blog, I have continued to explore and create blog collections for my personal use and for my own course design. By working through this course, I became increasingly aware of how online courses interconnect learner, instructor and content. The design considerations within a blog context enhances opportunities for engagement with audience, subject matter and 'web-self'. Student become better learners when there are opportunities to create meaningful online or digital content. This has become a core focus in my own instructional practice.

Realized Value

Personal and organizational affect and success resulting from the activity and artifacts.

My investigations and explorations into the business of educational ventures has opened the doors and windows to the potential markets in emerging technologies. Although my confidence as a CEO or venture analyst has grown, it is not a role I will take on comfortably. Success will not be measured in the growth of market share or increased valuation. Success, personal and organizational, will come from the integration of ventures such as Desire 2 Learn's e-portfolio product within the Faculty of Education program. The blog portfolio created as an artifact shows the potential of integrating all elements of learning - creation, engagement, autonomy, purpose, mastery and reflection.

Reframed Value

New definition of success

Motivation is a key factor in home renovations, as it is in personal learning. Daniel Pink, as explored in this RSAnimate video, outlines three factors that lead to personal satisfaction. Autonomy, mastery and purpose lead to improved performance. This can be said of both renovations and learning. In ETEC 522, each of these factors played a critical role in my renovations from educator to educational technology entrepreneur, from self publication to web author, and from isolated instructor to collaborative course designer.

New Tools

You Tube Elevator Pictch

Symbaloo

YouTube

Cacoo

Voicethread

Animoto

Collaboration and working together, beyond Googledocs and Skype, became a focus for this course. Group members were located in distant parts of the globe.